Each month Independent Sector collects research with broad sector relevance to share with you. June’s research contains important insights on disparities in funding during the COVID-19 pandemic and how young Americans are giving to address inequality.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy: Funder Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Based on a nationally representative survey of nonprofit leaders in May 2020, this study sheds light on which organizations face the toughest challenges, what is most needed from funders, and what differences in experience are emerging based on characteristics such as organization type and gender of nonprofit leaders.
The data in this report also reveals what nonprofits have found to be most helpful from institutional foundations and individual donors, respectively, as well as what they need most from both groups in the current moment.
- More on the study: Funder Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Cause and Social Influence: Influencing Young America to Act
The Influencing Young America to Act Special Report reveals the actions young Americans are taking to address racial inequality, discrimination, and social injustice for Black people in America in this unique moment.
Of particular note, the survey shows that 20% of young people (ages 18-30 years old) have made a charitable donation to address inequality. The survey was conducted on June 8 and asked about the two weeks preceding that date, including the initial report of the killing of George Floyd.
- More on the study: Influencing Young America to Act Special Report
Independent Sector: The Impact of COVID-19 on Mid-Sized Nonprofits
Independent Sector released the results of a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on mid-sized nonprofit organizations. The survey illustrates that the pandemic and the resulting economic shutdown have had significant effects on the services, operations, and the people working in the nonprofit sector.
In general, the survey provides clear evidence of a decline in revenue and individual giving that has forced nonprofits to limit needed services and layoff, furlough, or reduce pay and benefits for their employees. A total of 110 organizations responded to the survey. Of note, 62% of respondents were organizations identifying as “human services” organizations. The respondent organizations collectively represent over 152,000 employees and nearly $9.1 billion in contributions and revenue, as calculated prior to COVID-19 and the economic shutdown.
- More on the survey results: The Impact of COVID-19 on Mid-Sized Nonprofits
Giving USA Foundation: Giving USA 2020
American individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations gave an estimated $449.64 billion to U.S. charities in 2019, placing it among the highest years ever for charitable giving, according to findings in Giving USA 2020: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2019.
Total charitable giving rose 4.2% measured in current dollars (2.4% adjusted for inflation) over the revised total of $431.43 billion contributed in 2018. Measured in current dollars, giving in 2019 reached the highest dollar total to date. Adjusted for inflation, total giving reached the second highest level on record, just slightly below the all-time high dollar amount achieved in 2017.
- More on the study: Giving USA 2020
Add Your Voice
The research summaries above are by no means an exhaustive list of the newest information out there to help us better understand the nonprofit landscape. Did we miss a report you think we should know about and share? Let us know by leaving a comment!
